How to Take a Professional Headshot You Actually Love
Because your personal brand deserves a great first impression.
In today’s digital landscape where remote work and Zoom calls have largely replaced breakroom chats and in-person meetings, connecting with colleagues and peers presents a new challenge. First impressions still hold immense value, but in an era of fewer face-to-face interactions, the greeting once led by a handshake and smile has taken new shape in the form of LinkedIn profile pictures and email sign-offs.
For many, having your photo taken can be a source of anxiety: we’ve all fallen victim to an unflattering candid or a breakout that appears just before a big day. But when we view our headshots as a tool to establish our presence, we’re able to connect with others before there’s even a “hello.” A good headshot isn’t vanity, it’s visibility for you as a professional.
Redefining the Modern Headshot
If your mind goes straight to the backdrop of school picture day and studio lighting, allow me to introduce you to a new mindset. Headshots of today are about personality and authenticity. A single photo, or a few variations, offers a glimpse into who you are both as an individual and a professional.
Your headshot is a storytelling tool for your personal brand, so treat it as such. It’s less about having the perfect pose and flashy smile and more about communicating what you bring to your work, your team, and your industry.
What to Wear for a Headshot
When dressing for your headshots, choose colors and styles that reflect you. If you don’t wear collared shirts or blazers on a regular basis, don’t feel pressured to do so in your headshots (unless required by your employer, of course). Select a top that mirrors your usual style, just slightly elevated.
When it comes to color, determine what shades complement your skin tone. Identify whether your skin’s undertones are warm or cool and use that as a guide. Ask family and friends what colors they think flatter you most and use their feedback in your decision-making.
Makeup Tips for the Camera
Whether you typically wear makeup or not, the camera can flatten facial features in a way that our eyes don’t, so adding subtle definition helps create balance. Wear more than you typically would and in more places than you normally might.
Here are a few ways to do this:
Defining and filling in your eyebrows
Lining your lips more sharply
Using false lashes or clusters to deepen the eyes
Highlighting the high points of the face (brow bones, tip of the nose, and cheekbones)
Adding more blush than you’d usually wear
Pro tip: Opt for a satin or glossy lip finish, as matte textures often emphasize dryness and can appear harsh against your skin and teeth.
Capture with Confidence
Before you’re in front of the camera, practice posing in the mirror or with your phone. Find your preferred side, hand placement, and smile. Allow your eyes to squint slightly for the most natural expression. Experiment with different positions: sit, stand, lean, or rest your hands on a surface. Try soft smiles, toothy smiles, or even mid-laughter smiles. Occasionally ask your photographer to show you previews to see which expressions and angles you love most.
Your backdrop can be outdoors in golden-hour light, your office space, your home workspace, or even a favorite local spot that reflects your professional identity. And if you prefer, a blank backdrop or wall.
Pro tip: When looking at the camera, glance slightly above the lens to allow more light to fill your eyes. It brightens your expression while maintaining natural eye contact.
How to Take a Professional Headshot Yourself
If you’re taking your own headshots with your phone, set it to portrait mode and select “studio light.” Ask a friend to frame the shot using gridlines and align the top line horizontal line with your eyes. Experiment with different distances and angles to find the most flattering setup. After you’ve selected a few that you love, play around with the editing capabilities in your photos app. Try turning up the exposure and shadows, and play around with turning down the contrast slightly.
Pro tip: try turning up noise reduction just a smidge to soften the image.
Presenting yourself confidently and professionally is an essential part of growing your career, business, or personal brand. A strong headshot gives potential clients, collaborators, and employers a glimpse into your personality and professionalism before you even step into a room. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s authenticity. And when you look and feel your best in your headshot, you’ll be more confident when connecting with peers on LinkedIn, sending that tricky email, or pitching to potential clients.
